Happy New Year!

I'm just wishing everyone a happy 2009!!! I hope that everyone feels grateful for the past year. I feel like I have become a better person this year, or at least I have learned a lot of things. I am truly grateful for the many blessings I have had in this past year. My friends and family, for all that I have learned from them. For my roommates. For the strength that I have gained. For my recital, for my jobs, I have just learned a lot and have had a lot of blessings. I know that I have a lot to work on this next year.

Last year, my new year's resolution was to be more organized. I dunno.. how have I been with that? I know that at first I did really try. and I think that I have improved. So I am going to keep working with that. But this year I have a couple. I want to practice 3 hours every day, but I'm not sure if I can do that with the holidays and with some abnormalities in Mexico. But my resolution is to practice 3 hours every day possible. Wish me luck!! My other resolution is to know myself.

Well, for Jamilyn's happiness question, I said what makes me happy is knowing who I am. How do I know better who I am? By coming closer to God, by stretching myself, seeing what new things I can do. By a more intense scripture study, by studying my patriarchal blessing more, by more fervent and heartfelt prayer. By really trying to follow the Spirit. I really want to focus on school, but I think that I have been putting my spiritual things to the side. I am really grateful for my calling, and for the many great spiritual experiences that I've had, but I have been lacking in the daily scripture study, the daily routines.

I think it would be so awesome to also read the Book of Mormon in Spanish every day. That can help me immerse myself in the language while I'm in Mexico.

I'm at the Gilberts now and having a blast. I guess another New Year's resolution I have is to be friends with Brian. Even though I can't say I'm doing perfectly because I'm not. But I think I am still doing well, and everything is going to be okay. That's the important part. Everything is okay. And I know we can do it. Hey, it's the New Year! A time to start over. I am glad to be leaving because that will help. And I think that we are such good friends. It's worth it. And my future husband is worth it too! I wonder who he will be. And I am glad to know that I have friends who understand me. I feel truly blessed.

Well, I hope everyone has a fabulous 2009. Happy New Year!

Love,
Stephi